Poker is a card game of chance that involves betting between players. The first player to act places chips in the pot, and subsequent players can either call or raise. Depending on the game rules, a player can also be required to place an initial amount of money into the pot before the cards are dealt (these are called forced bets).

When playing poker, you must keep in mind that your hand is only good or bad in relation to what the other players have. It is important to learn to read your opponents and take advantage of their mistakes. This way, you can build up a large bankroll and even make a living as a professional poker player!

You should always be willing to bluff. However, you must be careful not to bluff too often. If you do, your opponent will start to realize that you are bluffing and they will be able to tell when you actually have a strong hand.

When you are in late position, it is a good idea to raise the price of your strong value hands to avoid giving the weaker players an opportunity to win the pot with mediocre or drawing hands. By raising the price of your strong value hands, you can exercise pot control and maximize the size of the pot when you do have a strong one. This will give you more time to think about your next move and help you improve your overall game.